Once again, Liguria confirms its position as one of Italy’s finest coastal destinations. In the 2026 edition of the Blue Flag awards, Italy reached a record 257 awarded municipalities, with 84 more beaches recognised compared to the previous year.
Liguria remains firmly in first place with 35 Blue Flag municipalities, ahead of Puglia and Calabria (27 each), Campania (20), Marche (20) and Tuscany (19). This achievement reflects a long term commitment to environmental quality, sustainable tourism and coastal management, factors that continue to strengthen the region’s appeal among residents, visitors and international property buyers.
Credit: La mia Liguria
The result is particularly significant for the Italian Riviera, where the sea is not simply a summer attraction, but an essential part of local identity, daily life and long term appeal. For those looking for a second home by the sea, the Blue Flag recognition offers a clear sign of environmental quality, services and responsible coastal management.
What Does the Blue Flag Award Mean?
The Blue Flag (Bandiera Blu) is an internationally recognised environmental certification awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The programme evaluates coastal destinations based on a wide range of criteria, including water quality, environmental management, public services, sustainability initiatives, safety and accessibility.
The award is not based solely on clean water. Municipalities must demonstrate long term commitment to environmental protection, efficient waste management, sustainable mobility and the overall quality of the visitor experience. More than 30 criteria are assessed and regularly updated to reflect evolving environmental standards.
For homeowners and property investors, the Blue Flag often serves as an indicator of a well managed destination that is likely to maintain its appeal and value over time.
The Awarded Beaches of West Liguria
In 2026, West Liguria once again plays a leading role. In the province of Imperia, eight municipalities received the Blue Flag: Bordighera, San Remo, Riva Ligure, Santo Stefano al Mare, San Lorenzo al Mare, Imperia, Diano Marina and Taggia. The return of Taggia is one of the new entries of the year, further strengthening the Riviera dei Fiori among Italy’s most appreciated coastal areas.
San Remo confirms several awarded beaches, including Tre Ponti, Imperatrice, Bussana, Baia Capo Pino and Tiro a Volo, together with the prestigious Portosole marina. Bordighera, Santo Stefano al Mare, San Lorenzo al Mare, Imperia and Diano Marina also continue to represent the high standards of the western Italian Riviera.
Further along the Ponente coastline, the province of Savona also confirms its strength, with destinations such as Andora, Laigueglia, Loano, Finale Ligure, Noli, Spotorno, Celle Ligure and Varazze. Andora is another 2026 new entry, adding further value to an already highly regarded stretch of the Ligurian coast.
Marinas, Lifestyle and the Italian Riviera Appeal
The Blue Flag recognition also extends to tourist ports, an important element for a region with such a strong connection to the sea. In Italy, 87 marinas received the Blue Flag in 2026, confirming the growing attention given to environmental standards and quality services in nautical tourism.
In West Liguria, marinas such as Portosole in San Remo, Marina degli Aregai in Santo Stefano al Mare, Marina di San Lorenzo, the Tourist Port of Bordighera and Marina di Alassio contribute to the area’s international appeal.
They are part of a broader coastal lifestyle that combines beaches, sailing, seaside promenades, cycling routes, restaurants, historic centres and easy access to the French Riviera and Monaco.
Why Blue Flag Beaches Matter for Property Buyers
For buyers looking for property for sale in Liguria, the Blue Flag is more than a symbol. It reflects the quality of the surrounding environment and the care given to the coastline, two elements that influence both lifestyle and long term desirability.
This is especially true in the Riviera dei Fiori, where seaside towns such as San Remo, Bordighera, Ospedaletti, Imperia and Santo Stefano al Mare offer a rare balance between Mediterranean beauty, services, accessibility and authentic Italian charm.
From sea view apartments to villas with terraces, from homes close to the beaches to properties in quiet residential areas above the coast, Liguria real estate continues to attract an international audience looking for quality, not only location.
Discover Seaside Homes in Liguria
The 2026 Blue Flag results confirm what many residents and visitors already know: Liguria remains one of Italy’s most desirable coastal regions for clean seas, quality of life and year round living.
With six real estate agencies strategically located across West Liguria, LiguriaHomes Casamare & Hamptons offers unrivalled local knowledge combined with international exposure, helping buyers discover some of the finest properties along the Italian Riviera.
Whether you are looking for a holiday home, a permanent residence, or an investment property on the Italian Riviera, West Liguria offers some of the most attractive seaside homes in Italy.
To discover selected properties for sale in Liguria, visit: www.liguriahomes.com
